By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Amutinu-Salakofe (V/R), Oct. 13, GNA – A ray of hope has emerged for the residents of Amutinu-Salakofe, a coastal community in the Volta Region severely affected by tidal waves, as a major protection project progresses.
The initiative, aimed at safeguarding lives and properties, has sparked enthusiasm among residents who are eager to see the project’s completion.
At a day’s working visit by the Works and Housing Committee of Parliament to inspect the project, Mr Vincent Oppong Asamoah, the Committee Chairman, expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative, saying: “I’m extremely happy that the project has started and it’s progressing steadily.
“We believe that in the coming days, the project will cover the rest of the communities and will fully protect them.”
He emphasised the project’s potential to attract investment opportunities, saying “Once we get investors interested in investing in this area, I will support the relocation. We need to think about the economic situation of these people and find alternative livelihoods for them.”
Mr Oppong Asamoah therefore called for an alternative source of livelihood for the community members, saying: “When you are taking them away from the sea, you need to provide them with an alternative source of life.”
He stated that the only solution to the problem was sea defense and hoped that the contractors would expedite action on the work.
“We need to think about going beyond the lagoon, putting up structures, and finding economic opportunities for the people. We believe that with the government’s support, we can make this project a success,” he added.
Mr Oppong Asamoah highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility, urging the contractors to reconstruct damaged schools to support the community,” he appealed.
On the project’s timeline, Mr Ehud-Deri, the Project Director of Amandi Holdings, said the deadline for the project was July 2028, and they hoped to work within the scheduled date, unless there was a force majeure, and assured the team that they were on course, and the community was cooperating with them.
The project, which started in 2025 and expected to protect eight kilometers of shoreline, involves the construction of 37 groins, with one to be constructed each month.
It is being prefinanced by the contractors at the cost of GH¢919 million with reimbursement from the government.
Mr Ehud-Deri cited challenges including natural and man-made erosion confronting effective progression of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the Ranking Member on the Works and Housing Committee, Mr Alexander Agyare touched on the project’s potential to save lives and properties, adding that there was the need for the government to prioritise payments to contractors, to ensure timely completion.
Mr Agyare highlighted the importance of planning for the reclaimed land to maximise its use and benefits, saying there should be the possibility of relocating affected communities temporarily to facilitate work and ensure their safety.
Mr Slyvester Kumawu, the Assembly Man of Amutinu-Salakofe, in his engagement with the media expressed mixed feelings about the project’s progress.
He said the project had started and was moving forward but also expressed concern about the relocation of communities whose livelihoods depended on the sea.
Mr Kumawu also highlighted the importance of providing alternative livelihood sources for residents who would be relocated.
“It is my hope that the sea defense project will be completed as soon as possible to protect the remaining properties and communities,” he said.
Mr Opoku Gyasi, the Headmaster of the Amutinu M/A Basic School, said the school’s population had decreased significantly, and its buildings were at risk of being engulfed by the sea.
He expressed concerns about the school’s future and appealed for the government’s support to relocate to a safer area so it could offer quality education in a conducive environment.
Mr Gyasi it was essential for the government and relevant authorities to provide support and assistance to address this critical issue.
As the project progresses, residents are optimistic about its potential to transform their community, and some fisherfolk said they welcomed the committee members.
The day’s official visit was also an oversight responsibility of the Committee to engage and report back to the plenary as Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 1400 hours at the Parliament House, Accra.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo